Education Assistant Specialist

Pankalo Education Center

Located in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, Pankalo Education Center serves students in grades K-8 who have Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD) and certain Low-Incidence Disabilities. Pankalo has an integrated arts theme; the goal is to provide a compassionate, creative, safe, and child-centered learning environment where our students grow academically, socially, and personally while tapping into their creativity. To learn more about Pankalo Education Center, click here.

Position Information

This position is a 7 hour/day position, with 183 paid days per year. Starting hourly pay is $24. This position is fully benefit eligible, please click here to review the full contract and benefits offered. Anticipated start date for this position is August 12, 2026.

Nature of Work

Incumbents are responsible for providing instructional and behavioral support to students individually or in small groups, and ensuring a safe and healthy education environment. Responsibilities may include: assisting teachers with modifying curriculum, class activities or materials; providing instructional support in various disciplines and facilitating social skills; monitoring students' behavior to ensure a safe and healthy environment; de-escalating student issues; providing physical care; and maintaining and preparing routine records and reports.

Typical Class Responsibilities

• Assists teachers by providing instructional support to students where differentiated/modified instruction is needed; secures the necessary equipment needed within the class to accommodate specialized student needs.
• Assists teachers with overseeing the safety, personal conduct, personal care, and behavior of the students; redirects students engaging in negative or unexpected behavior; documents behaviors; implements behavior support plans and monitors for effectiveness; intervenes when necessary to deescalate students deemed to be in crises.
• Assists with the instruction of student workers by providing guidance in the handling of industry specific tools and machinery, maintaining work areas, and preventing accidents.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Training and Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
• Two years of study at an institution of higher education (60 college credits) OR an Associate degree (or higher) OR successful completion of the Paraeducator training and assessments (District funded)
• 1 to 3 years successful experience working with adolescents and/or individuals with special needs. Other successful work experience can be considered.

Knowledge Requirements

• Applicable subject matter(s)
• Assistive learning tools
• Student support principles
• Recordkeeping principles
• Applicable local, state and federal laws, rules, and regulations
• Computer and related software applications

Skill Requirements

• Monitoring children in an educational setting
• Observing and recording student behavior
• Using assistive learning tools
• Preparing and maintaining records and reports
• Applying local, state and federal laws, rules, and regulations
• Operating a computer and applicable software applications
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction

Physical Requirements:

• Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions
• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of forces constantly to move objects
• Job requirements include:
• Occasionally (1-33% of the time) run, climb or balance, taste and smell, and lift up to 100lbs
• Frequently (34-66% of the time) sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop/kneel/crouch or crawl, and lift up to 25lbs
• Continuously (67-100% of the time) stand, walk, use hands, and talk and hear

Commitment to Equity

At Northeast Metro 916, equity means that everyone has access to what they need in order to learn, grow and thrive.

Northeast Metro 916 will not discriminate against individuals based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age or sexual orientation.

To learn more about Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District, click here.